Paraprofessional Substitute for School Year 2026-2027 (Hourly)

About the Role

The Special Education Assistant Substitute assists in the supervision, care, and instruction of special needs students in regular or self-contained classrooms. Responsibilities include implementing instructional plans, monitoring student behavior, providing information to school personnel, and attending IEP meetings as requested. Duties vary based on program needs, such as supporting students with general, severe/profound, behavioral, hearing, or autism-related needs.

Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and materials under teacher direction to ensure participation for all special education students.
• Administers tests, homework, and assignments to assist in evaluating student progress and organizing individual needs.
• Provides first aid and medical assistance as required for injured or medically fragile students.
• Assists students with personal care needs due to medical conditions or physical limitations to support school functioning.
• Implements behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders to meet special education needs and ensure safety.
• Instructs students individually or in groups in academic subjects, social skills, and daily living skills to reinforce instructional objectives and IEP goals.
• Maintains instructional materials and student records, including adapting materials and tracking attendance.
• Monitors students in various school environments (restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, cafeteria, etc.) to ensure safety and a positive learning environment.
• Must be willing to substitute at schools throughout the district and in all types of classrooms.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the efficient functioning of the work unit.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One of the following:
  • Completion of an associate degree, OR
  • Two years of college (72 quarter hours or 48 semester hours), OR
  • A passing score on the Praxis Parapro Assessment Test.
• One year of related paid or volunteer work experience (certification as a special education teacher may substitute for experience).
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License.
• CPR/First Aid certification (training provided).
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint Background Clearance.
• Ability to lift 60–90 pounds or more, perform physical tasks (stooping, kneeling, crawling), and assist with personal care (toileting, tube feeding, etc.).
• Willingness to work with medically fragile children and support structured learning and behavior shaping.

Skills

• Knowledge: Basic math, reading/writing documents, following multi-step instructions, instructional procedures, age-appropriate activities, safety practices, conflict resolution, and child development/behavior stages.
• Skills: Adhering to safety practices, operating office equipment/software, maintaining records, and keyboarding. May require basic signing.
• Abilities: Adapting to changing priorities, communicating with diverse groups, maintaining confidentiality, teamwork, handling interruptions, and problem-solving.

Schedule

• Substitutes must work at least 70 hours per school year and complete mandatory paid training to remain on the roster.
• Position requires flexibility to work in various school environments (45% sitting, 25% walking, 30% standing).

Benefits

• Hourly staff accrue sick leave at a rate of 1:40 per Washington Paid Sick Leave law.
• Eligible for health benefits after 630 hours under the School Employees Benefits Board (state of Washington). Note: This position is not eligible for health benefits.

Reports to the building Principal or assigned Special Education Supervisor.